Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Calderdale to Reigate and Banstead

Are you planning a road trip from Calderdale in West Yorkshire, England to Reigate and Banstead in Surrey, England? This is a beautiful and wonderful way to explore the English countryside. The 228 miles (367 km) journey will take approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes if you take the M1 motorway or 5 hours and 30 minutes if you take the A1(M) and M25. However, there are some amazing and unexpected places worth stopping to break up the journey.

Halfway Point: Rugby, WAR

Rugby, located in Warwickshire, is the perfect place to stop halfway between Calderdale and Reigate and Banstead. Rugby is notable for Rugby School, where the game of rugby originated in 1823. The town also hosts several events throughout the year, including the Rugby Festival of Culture, Rugby Food and Drink Festival, and the Rugby School Japan Exchange Programme. Additionally, the town has several restaurants, cafes, and pubs where you can grab a bite to eat. One of the most popular places to eat in Rugby is The William Webb Ellis, which serves traditional pub food and excellent local ale.

1. Luton Hoo Estate, Luton

About 1 hour from Reigate and Banstead lies Luton Hoo Estate, a beautiful 1,000-acre estate that boasts a luxurious hotel, spa, golf club, and equestrian center. The grounds are well-manicured, featuring a lake, a walled garden, and a deer park. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion, which was built in the 18th century, or indulge in the spa's treatments. Luton Hoo Estate's restaurant, The Wernher, is the perfect place to stop for lunch. The menu features British cuisine with a modern twist, and the restaurant has a beautiful view overlooking the lake.

2. Jane Austen's House Museum, Alton

If you're a fan of Jane Austen, you must make a stop at Jane Austen's House Museum in Alton, which is about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Reigate and Banstead. This museum is where Jane Austen lived and wrote most of her famous novels, including Emma and Sense and Sensibility. Visitors can explore the house, which has been carefully preserved to look as it did when Austen lived there with her mother and sister. The museum also has a lovely tea room where you can enjoy tea and freshly baked scones. Don't forget to visit the gift shop, which has a great selection of Austen-related merchandise.

3. St. Albans Cathedral, St. Albans

St. Albans Cathedral, located in the heart of St. Albans, is a stunning medieval cathedral that dates back to the 11th century. The cathedral is home to a wealth of history and art, including a 13th-century wall painting and a beautiful rose window. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cathedral or attend one of the many services that are held there. The cathedral also has a lovely cafe, which serves light lunches and delicious cakes.

4. Greenwich, London

Just a short drive from Reigate and Banstead lies the beautiful historic town of Greenwich. Greenwich is famous for its maritime history and is home to the Prime Meridian, which marks the division between the eastern and western hemispheres. Visitors can explore the Royal Observatory, which houses a museum and planetarium, and take a stroll in the picturesque Greenwich Park. Greenwich also has several restaurants and cafes, but if you're looking for something truly special, head to The Spread Eagle, a traditional pub that serves excellent British cuisine with a modern twist.

5. Hever Castle, Edenbridge

About 30 minutes from Reigate and Banstead lies Hever Castle, a magnificent castle that was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII's second wife. Visitors can explore the castle's rooms, which are filled with tapestries, antique furniture, and fine paintings. The castle also has a beautiful garden, which features a rose garden, a lake, and several fountains. Hever Castle has a cafe that serves light lunches, but for something more substantial, head to The Henry VIII, a pub located just a few minutes away from the castle that serves traditional pub fare.

Conclusion

Taking a road trip from Calderdale to Reigate and Banstead is an amazing way to explore England's countryside and history. While the journey may be long, there are some amazing places worth stopping along the way. From Luton Hoo Estate's luxurious spa and golf club to Jane Austen's House Museum in Alton, there is something for everyone. Don't forget to grab a bite to eat at The William Webb Ellis in Rugby, The Spread Eagle in Greenwich, or The Henry VIII near Hever Castle. Travelers who take the time to break up their journey and explore these unexpected places will be rewarded with unforgettable experiences and memories.